Being a strong leader for your employees has many benefits.
You’ll have improved employee morale, which will lead to increased productivity and lower turnover. You’ll also have employees who are more dedicated to the company, and who will help you find ways to make it grow.
Here are a few ways you can be a strong leader for your workforce:
Take responsibility
If you make a mistake and blame it on one of your managers or employees, you’ll lose credibility immediately.
Instead, admit it when you’ve messed up.
Admitting your mistakes and explaining what you’re going to do to avoid making them in the future boosts your employees’ trust in you. It also encourages them to do the same, and an environment in which everyone is honest about their mistakes makes learning from them and growing much easier.
Be Inspirational
The atmosphere in any company begins with the boss.
If you want your workers to be motivated and passionate about what your company does, you need to set the example with an inspirational attitude.
Show your passion for how your company helps its customers, and your excitement over a media mention or trade show sponsorship.
Your attitude will infect your employees — for good or bad.
Pitch In
A boss who insists on employee overtime, then takes off early to hit the golf course, will lose employee respect, very quickly.
If your company is facing a challenge and there’s hard work ahead, pitch in and help.
You’ll show your employees that you expect everyone, no matter their position, to be a part of the team. You’ll also earn their respect by showing them you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty.
Don’t Withhold Praise
Some bosses feel that the only time they need to give their workers feedback is when a correction is necessary. But this attitude can create a feeling of resentment among your workforce, which can affect productivity.
An employee who feels like a valued member of the team will work harder to help the company achieve its goals. So be sure to recognize all workers who do a good job, and don’t save praise just for your best and brightest.
Foster a Collaborative Environment
Just because an employee isn’t part of your management team doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t have good ideas for helping your company grow. Encouraging an environment of collaboration, and listening to your workers when they come to you with an idea, can boost morale and productivity.
You’ll also be encouraging workers to collaborate with each other in order to solve issues and get big projects done. Providing constructive feedback on their efforts can further boost employee confidence and keep everyone working together to help you meet your business goals.
Being a leader doesn’t just mean telling everyone else what to do.
By showing your employees you value their input and aren’t afraid to do the hard work alongside them, you’ll earn their respect, and encourage them to work even harder for you in the future.
As a boss, what kind of grade would you give yourself at the end of the day?
Photo credit: Forbes.com
About the Author: Freelance blogger Angie Mansfield covers a variety of subjects for small business owners. From business growth to marketing to online reputation management, her work will give you tips to keep your business running smoothly.